A murder suspect who was mistakenly released from an Indiana jail earlier this month has been apprehended in Minnesota after two weeks on the run, according to authorities.
Kevin Mason, 28, was captured in St. Paul around 2 p.m. by the United States Marshal Service. His release was due to a clerical error, authorities said.
"I would like to extend my sincere gratitude and congratulations to the USMS for concluding this manhunt and safely bringing Mason back into custody," said Marion County Sheriff Kerry J. Forestal. "Our federal partners have kept us informed throughout the entire process. We are truly thankful for their assistance and wide resources-- most specifically, their task force partnerships with local law enforcement agencies that have allowed them to pursue Kevin Mason throughout the country."
Mason had been released by mistake from the Adult Detention Center in Indianapolis on September 13, just days after his arrest on suspicion of the 2021 killing of Dontevious Catchings in Minnesota.
In connection with Mason's release, two Marion County Sheriff's Office employees have been terminated, the sheriff's office confirmed.
Authorities were aware of his release within hours but intentionally withheld the information from the public for six days in order to maintain a "tactical advantage," they said.
During the manhunt, Sheriff Forestal revealed that Mason had received assistance from Desiree Oliver, 29, who was subsequently arrested on one count of assisting a criminal. Oliver is believed to be Mason's girlfriend.
According to the sheriff, Oliver picked him up in her car and drove him to get a cell phone and clothes.
"She has not cooperated. We arrested her today at 2 o'clock," the Marion County sheriff said, as reported by IndyStar.
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